• Gyeongsangnam-do,  Tongdosa

    Geukrakam Hermitage – 극락암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

    Hermitage History Geukrakam Hermitage is located on the Tongdosa Temple grounds in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do in the foothills of Mt. Yeongchuksan (1082.2 m). The name of the hermitage is closely associated with Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise), who typically resides inside a Geukrak-jeon Hall at a temple or hermitage. In English, “Geukrak” means “Ultimate Bliss” for the Western Paradise that Amita-bul resides. Geukrakam Hermitage was first founded in 1344. From its creation to the late Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), very little of the hermitage’s history is known. The only thing that is recorded about the hermitage is that it was reconstructed by the monk Cheolhong in 1758. More recently, and…

  • Gyeongsangnam-do,  Tongdosa,  Video

    Video: Geukrakam Hermitage – 극락암 (Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do)

    Hello Again Everyone!! Geukrakam Hermitage, which is a reference to the heaven that Amita-bul (The Buddha of the Western Paradise) rules over, is one of the beautiful temples located of the vast Tongdosa Temple grounds. First built in 1344, Geukrakam Hermitage means “Ultimate Bliss Hermitage,” in English. In addition to the unique Chilseong-gak with seven individual paintings of the shaman Seven Stars deity, the hermitage also has a picturesque Hong Bridge that spans a Koi pond and is most beautiful during the spring months when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. So follow me in this video as I tour around the amazingly beautiful Geukrakam Hermitage in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do.